The College is also known for its grounds, which are unlike those of Cambridge’s other old colleges, being much more spacious. Set back from Jesus Lane, all the courts are open on at least one side (with the exception of the Cloister). The main entrance to the College is a walled passage, called the "Chimney" (derived from the Middle French 'chemin', for 'path' or 'way').

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Founded at the beginning of the 12th century, the Chapel is the oldest university building in Cambridge still in use.

When founded in 1496, the College consisted of buildings taken over from the Nunnery of St Mary and St Radegund: namely the Chapel, and the Cloister attached to it; the nuns’ refectory, which became the college hall; and the former lodging of the prioress, which became the Master’s Lodge. This set of buildings remains the core of the College to this day, and this accounts for its distinctly monastic and non-collegiate character, which sets it apart from other Cambridge colleges. A library was soon added, and the Chapel was considerably modified and reduced in scale by Alcock.

The 500th anniversary of the College’s foundation in 1996 saw the completion of the new Quincentenary Library, designed by Eldred Evans and David Shalev, which was shortly followed by a new accommodation building.

Jesus College is one of the few colleges to allow anyone to walk on the lawns of its courts, with the exception of First Court, Cloister Court and those that are burial sites for deceased nuns from the original nunnery. However, in common with other Cambridge colleges, this privilege is only extended during the summer term.

The eyes of all look towards you and trust in you, O God. You give them food in due season. You open your hands and fill every living thing with your blessing. Bless us, O Lord, and all your gifts, which through your great generosity we are about to receive, through Jesus Christ our Lord. God is love. He who abides in love abides in God and God in him. May God be in us and may we abide in him.

Translated into English, the Oratio Post Cibum ["Prayer After Food"[3]] reads as follows:

May the God of peace and love always abide with us; have mercy upon us, O Lord. We thank you for all your mercies, who live and reign, God, for ever and ever. May God preserve the Church, the Queen, the realm, Parliament and peace.

However after a normal formal dinner in Hall the following short responsory is usually used:

The Presiding Fellow: Laus Deo (Praise be to God)
The College: Deo Gratias (Thanks be to God)

The 500th anniversary of the College’s foundation in 1996 saw the completion of the new Quincentenary Library, designed by Eldred Evans and David Shalev, which was shortly followed by a new accommodation building, completed in 2000.[4]

Anthony Caro's ‘Babylon’ (1997/2001), with Jesus Chapel in the background

Although Jesus College was not founded until 1496, the Chapel and other buildings date from the 12th and 13th centuries. Originally it was the Benedictine Convent of St Mary and St Radegund, which was dissolved by John Alcock, Bishop of Ely. The Chapel is believed to be the oldest university building in Cambridge still in use.

The Chapel was founded in 1157 and took until 1245 to complete. The original structure was cruciform in shape, and the nave had both north and south aisles. A high, pitched roof was surmounted by a belfry and steeple; this collapsed in 1277. The Chapel was also used as the parish church of St Radegund. Twice the Chapel was ravaged by fire, 1313 and 1376.

When the College took over the precincts, the parish was renamed after the College as Jesus parish, with the churchyard still being used for burials. This however, was short lived, as by the middle of the 16th century Jesus parish was absorbed into that of All Saints.

Chapel Court

A view of Chapel Court

The Chapel was much modified, with the western two thirds of the nave being converted into college rooms.

Jesus College Choir consists of male and female students and sings regular services twice a week in the Chapel. One of the leading choirs in Cambridge, its singers are mainly drawn from the College's own students, but also includes singers from a number of other colleges.

Jesus College Chapel Choir consists of around 20 choristers combined with the gentlemen of the College Choir, and also sings services twice a week in the Chapel. It is unique among Cambridge college choirs in that the choristers are volunteers: that is, they are drawn from schools around the city, and do not attend a particular choir school.